WiscVPN GlobalProtect - Install and Use

In order to work remotely and securely from personally-owned devices, IT needs you to install the campus VPN software, known as WiscVPN GlobalProtect. This allows secure, remote access to our Surgery Intranet and other select resources from off-campus devices (workstations, laptops, tablets, or smartphones.) This is not a replacement service for Surgery’s Citrix remote service. This article covers how to install the campus GlobalProtect VPN, general connectivity testing, troubleshooting basics, DoIT's helpdesk contacts, and VPN use scenarios for working remotely.

Installation Requirements and Instructions

1. NetID

  • If you do not have a UW campus NetID, please contact help@surgery.wisc.edu to explore an alternative, secure access method.


2. Static IP

  1. Navigate to https://access.services.wisc.edu/IPaddress and follow the prompts.
  2. You will receive a summary email with your request.  Please retain this for your records as you will need to reference it during this process.


3. WiscVPN GlobalProtect Installation

  1. Check your computer or device to ensure that GlobalProtect is not installed.  Search your computer for the word GlobalProtect and if it’s installed, your search should match.  Move to the next section which covers VPN use.
  2. Identify your computer’s operating system.
  3. Navigate to https://kb.wisc.edu/90370 and review the information.
  4. From the site, locate your GlobalProtect VPN client software for your computer’s operating system.  It will be found in the “Install and Connect” column.
  5. Click in the box representing your operating system and it will take you to a detailed installation page.
  6. Review the installation details for your operating system.  If you have questions about the version operating system on your system, please visit https://whatsmyos.com/ for help.
  7. In the “Download the Client” section, click on the correct client version for your operating system.
  8. The download should begin and when it is complete, click on it  from the base of the web browser screen to start the installation.
  9. Follow the KB article’s installation steps to guide you through the process.
  10. Keep in mind:
    1. The VPN portal address is:  uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu
    2. Sign in using your campus NetID_1 static IP user account (see  (MFA DUO may be required)
    3. When connected, the Global Protect client will indicate you are “Connected”
  11. To validate the connection, navigate to https://apps.surgery.wisc.edu/intranet and if you are presented with the Department’s Intranet, the installation and connection are successful.
  12. Disconnect when finished.


Using WiscVPN GlobalProtect

How To Connect/Disconnect

Follow this KB article for steps on connecting and disconnecting Global Protect - https://kb.wisc.edu/73117.

Tips and Notes On GlobalProtect

  • You may find it beneficial to create a shortcut on your system’s desktop to make it easier to locate the VPN application.
  • A good rule of thumb is to connect the Global Protect VPN whenever you want to access the Department’s Intranet - https://apps.surgery.wisc.edu/intranet.
  • When you have finished your work, please disconnect the VPN.

How To Connect/Disconnect on Mac OSX

  1. If you have Global Protect installed correctly, there will be a globe icon in the toolbar, which is located on the top right of your screen.
GlobalProtect Macbook Icon

2. Clicking on that icon will open a window with a blue Connect button.


3. Click the Connect button and enter your credentials.

GlobalProtect Login screen



4. Once connected, the global icon will include a small shield.

Earth icon (GP) with shield

5. If you don't see the shield, you may need to try logging in again. If it continues to fail, try the troubleshooting steps below.



Still Having Trouble?




The VPN is a campus supported software and service and Surgery IT recommends the following steps to get the best support.

  1. General VPN connectivity troubleshooting KB article - https://kb.wisc.edu/page.php?id=1981
  2. Document any errors or issues you have experienced during installation or use.
    1. Have you been able to start the application and enter the portal address:  uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu  ?
    2. Have you been prompted to sign in using your campus NetID and password?
    3. Have you been able to connect the VPN and navigate to https://apps.surgery.wisc.edu/intranet and see the Department intranet site?
  3. Contact DoIT’s Helpdesk at 608-264-4357 or email help@doit.wisc.edu and provide the documented details.  If you do email, please provide a time, or times when you are available.,



Keywordsglobalprotect vpn   Doc ID111781
OwnerViviana P.GroupUW Surgery
Created2021-06-18 10:18:31Updated2021-08-10 12:30:37
SitesUW Department of Surgery
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